Cookies

Notice: This website may or may not use or set cookies used by Google Ad-sense or other third party companies. If you do not wish to have cookies downloaded to your computer, please disable cookie use in your browser. Thank You.

Saturday, December 24, 2011

$2 trillion sunstorm coming, NASA warns recovery time period estimated at 10 years.

Posted: December 04, 2011

WASHINGTON – The U.S. is becoming increasingly aware and concerned about the possibility within a few years of an electromagnetic pulse attack from an enemy's high-altitude nuclear explosion. The impact would include the loss of critical U.S. electrical infrastructure that could send the nation back into an 18th century agrarian economy, according to a report from Joseph Farah's G2 Bulletin.

But experts have warned that such an attack could produce conditions more difficult than the 18th century due to the considerable increase in population and the total reliance by society on electricity and technology for life-sustaining factors, such as food production and delivery. Also hit would be transportation, medical and emergency services, telecommunications, and the economic and financial system.

Republican presidential candidate and former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Newt Gingrich, in a nationally televised presidential debate, recently declared that the potential for an EMP attack is perhaps the most serious national security threat facing the United States today.

However, there is another threat looming that is not only possible but actually forecast, and it could fry electronics and knock out the transformers in the national electric grid system.

It is an expected solar storm – or what's called a solar maximum – that the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the National Academy of Sciences have confirmed to G2Bulletin could occur sometime between 2012 and 2014.

The concern is that the nation is ill-prepared for such an event, given the impact that the pulse from such a maximum solar flare could produce with several hundred sunspots occurring on any given day, lasting for up to a month or so.

The solar maximum storms occur once every 11 years on a regular cycle. Until now, the sun has been in what is termed a solar minimum.

The storms occur when strong magnetic fields emerge through the solar surface and allow the area to cool slightly, from 6,000 degrees Celsius down to about 4,200 degrees Celsius.

While the explosive heat from a solar flare doesn't make it to Earth, there is electromagnetic radiation and energetic particles that do.

The sun also produces what Karen Fox of NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center describes as something even more disruptive, known as a coronal mass ejection, or CME. CMEs are solar explosions that propel bursts of particles and electromagnetic fluctuations into the Earth's atmosphere.

The electromagnetic fluctuations in turn could induce electric fluctuations at ground level that then blow out electrical transformers in power grids. The CME's particles, she says, also collide with crucial electronics onboard a satellite and disrupt those systems.

Not only will such a development impact critical civilian infrastructure, but it could have an adverse effect on U.S. military systems because of their heavy reliance on commercial satellites for worldwide communications.

The effects from even a solar EMP are seen not just as a possibility but an inevitability.

"In an increasingly technological world," Fox said, "where almost everyone relies on cell phones and GPS controls not just your in-car map system but also airplane navigation and the extremely accurate clocks that govern financial transactions, space weather is a serious matter."

Such an attack would come like a bolt of lightning.

"We know it is coming but we don't know how bad it is going to be" acknowledges Richard Fisher, director of NASA's Heliophysics division.

A storm maximum today could result in large-scale blackouts affecting more than 130 million people and would expose more than 350 transformers to high-risk or permanent damage.

Without taking adequate protective measures between now and the time of the expected "severe geomagnetic storm scenario," experts agree the cost from space weather-induced outages that in turn could cause "non-space-weather-related events" could run from $1 trillion to $2 trillion during the first year alone, with a recovery time taking anywhere from four to 10 years.

It is scenarios like this that make it necessary to learn survival skills, whether it be basic survival skills or urban survival skills.

You can learn the basics from my website. Also, on my website is an excellent urban survival course that teaches survival techniques in an urban and city setting. Its worth the purchase. Just click on the Urban Survival Guide Book on the left hand column of my website.

Stay Prepared! Stay Alive!

Charlie

UPDATED ARTICLE FROM WND 4/25/2013:

WASHINGTON – U.S. officials quietly are expressing concern that North Korea could use its "space launch vehicle" to explode a high-altitude nuclear device over the United States, creating an electromagnetic pulse that would destroy major portions of the U.S. electrical grid system as well as the nation's critical infrastructures.

The concern is so great that U.S. officials who watch North Korea closely are continually monitoring the status of the North Korean "space launch vehicle," whose status could suggest a pre-emptive nuclear strike against the United States.

They are aware of the three-stage missile North Korea launched last December that also orbited a "package," which experts say could be a test to orbit a nuclear weapon that then would be deorbited on command anywhere over the U.S. and exploded at a high altitude, creating an EMP effect.

This concern is in addition to North Korea's latest threat to strike targets in Hawaii and the continental U.S., as well as possible attacks against U.S. bases in South Korea and Japan.

The 28-year-old North Korean leader, Kim Jong-un, has signed an order for North Korea's strategic rocket forces to be on standby to fire at U.S. targets.

The signing was against a photo backdrop following an emergency meeting of his senior military leaders showing large maps that were labeled "U.S. mainland strike plan, specifically at Hawaii, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles and Austin, Texas."

One WND reader who traced the targeting to Texas said that it really was aimed at the Dallas/Fort Worth area.

The latest North Korean threats occurred after the U.S. sent two B-2 stealth bombers to strike targets with inert bombs during joint U.S.-South Korean military exercises, which Kim considered a major provocation.

"He finally signed the plan on technical preparations of strategic rockets, ordering them to be on standby to fire so that they may strike any time the U.S. mainland, its military bases in the operational theaters in the Pacific, including Hawaii and Guam, and those in South Korea," according to a statement by the North Korean news agency, KCNA.

The statement added that the B-2 flights showed Washington's "hostile" intent, and the "reckless" act had gone "beyond the phase of threat and blackmail."

In response, U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel condemned North Korea's actions which to date have included dissolving the 1953 armistice between North and South Korea, severing the military hotline with South Korea and putting its artillery forces on high alert and threatening, once again, nuclear strikes against the U.S.

In recent weeks, North Korea also had released three videos showing a nuclear strike on the U.S.

"We've made very clear that we have the capability and willingness to protect our interests and our allies in the region," according to deputy White House press secretary Josh Earnest. He said that the U.S. military exercises with South Korea should offer "pretty clear evidence" that the U.S. can defend its interests and those of its allies in the region.

Sources say that sending the B-2s was in response to the recent North Korean threats to send a message – a message which Russia and China called a "provocative act."

Russia and China have asked the U.S. to continue talking to North Korea and not to take military action against North Korea.

In response to North Korea's initial bellicose rhetoric, Hagel ordered the deployment of additional Aegis anti-missile systems for the U.S. West Coast. They originally were destined for Europe. And a second anti-ballistic missile radar is to be installed in Japan.

However, the Aegis anti-missile systems won't be operational until 2017, although there are some systems already deployed along the West Coast.

North Korea's continuing threats of a pre-emptive nuclear strike against U.S. targets suggest to U.S. officials that its military is confident in the capability of its missiles and that its recent nuclear testing for miniaturization of a warhead to be placed on a missile similarly was successful.

These officials are looking at the prospect that upon launch of the missile and a potential nuclear payload, it would take a polar path, clearly out of range of U.S. Aegis anti-missile systems.

The fact that U.S.military officials are expressing quiet but increasing concern that North Korea could launch an EMP attack has raised alarms over the preservation of the U.S. national grid and such critical infrastructures as communications, energy, food and water delivery and space systems.

This concern recently has been reinforced by a little-publicized study by the U.S. Army War College that said a nuclear detonation at altitude above a U.S. city could wipe out the electrical grid for hundreds, possibly thousands of miles around.

"Preparing for months without a commercial source of clean water (city water pressure is often dependent on electric pumping to storage towers) and stoppage of sewage treatment facilities will require net methods of survival particularly in populated areas," the military study said.

The May 2011 study, titled, "In the Dark: Military Planning for a Catastrophic Critical Infrastructure Event," concluded that there is "very little" in the way of backup capability to the electric grid upon which the communications infrastructure is vitally dependent.

Analysts say that it is apparent that Kim has ignored any advice from its closest friend, China, to stop any further missile or nuclear testing suggesting, as one official described Kim, as a "loose cannon."

Kim also has been defiant of any United Nations Security Council resolutions similarly condemning the recent missile and nuclear tests. China had joined in approving those resolutions.

"The time has come to settle accounts with the U.S.," the KCNA agency declared.

"The Obama administration is either clueless or deceiving the American people with false assurances that North Korea's recent threats to destroy the United States are merely 'empty rhetoric' because they allegedly 'lack the capability,'" one former U.S. official told WND.

Some regional analysts, however, believe that Kim is seeking to leverage the U.S. for further concessions while attempting to win favor with his own military to show how tough he can be.

These analysts say that until now Kim has not had the support from the military that his father, Kim Jong-Il, had.

His war-like tone may be indicative of attempts to solidify military support within his country.

At the moment, experts are looking at efforts for preparations at known long-range missile launch sites.

Those signs may be appearing.

"North Korea's launch sites to fire off mid- and long-range missiles have recently shown increased movement of vehicles and forces," according to one South Korean official who described the activity at the sites as "brisk."

"We are closely watching possibilities of missile launches," the official said.

In this connection, officials have seen several vehicles moving to the Tongchang-ri missile site on the western coast, in what appeared to them to be preparations for testing its long-range missiles.

Some observers, however, believe the latest threats of a pre-emptive nuclear strike against the U.S. remain for now just domestic posturing and efforts to establish military credentials on Kim's part to show that he is more forceful than his father.

In other efforts to determine warnings and indications of an attack, analysts are looking for major troop movements, although none has been detected to date.

Late last week, a North Korean Mig-21 fighter jet flew near South Korea's front line airspace, known as the Tactical Action Line,but returned to base, according to a South Korean military official. In response, the South Koreans scrambled a KF-16 fighter.

The TAL is the point between 20 and 50 kilometers north of South Korean airspace that will prompt the South Korea to scramble its fighter jets.

Thursday, June 30, 2011

A simple survival blow gun can be made from an aluminum hollow type hunting arrow. The arrow size used in the video was a 2117. Both ends were cut off using a tube cutter (not shown).

Different type of reed plants can be hollowed out and used to make a blow gun. Darts can be carved from hard wood or the thorns of some plants can be used to make darts.

Materials:

Hollow aluminum arrow (both ends cut and smoothed)
One foot length of round spring steel stock (the small stuff used by locksmiths)
Electrical tape or similar
Wire cutters
Knife
Plastic type foam
Plastic beads (fake jewelry type that will fit almost the complete inner diameter of the arrow)
A heat source (lighter, stove, etc)
Pliers (multitool works great for replacing the wire cutter and knife all in one)

Directions:

The hollow tube should be a straight as possible. Any kinks in the shaft will affect the performance. Using cutting pliers or multi-tool, cut the spring steel rod into 3 equal lengths. These will be used to make the darts. Separate the beads from the string. Heat the end of one rod until it is red. Insert the end of the rod into the plastic bead where the string comes through until it is about half way through. Make sure the bead is not off center. Continue to do this step until you have made the number of darts that you want.

Take a 3 x 3 x 1 piece of plastic foam and shape it into a circle. This will be used to hold the darts (see photo). Find the center of the foam circle and insert the hollow shaft into the center of it. Use a small knife blade to cut a small slit in the center. This will allow the arrow to be inserted easier.

Take a smaller piece of the foam and cut it into the shape of a cone about 1/2 inch in diameter. Cut a small slit in the center and position it on the end of the hollow arrow. This will be used as a mouth piece. Wrap electrical tape around the foam and arrow to hold it in place (see photo).

Saturday, June 25, 2011

ACEE stands for Always Carried Emergency Equipment. ACEE is a concept that I have developed to educate others on the need to always be prepared for emergency situations, whether urban survival scenarios or wilderness survival scenarios.

Many laugh at those of us who feel it is necessary to always be prepared for the worse case scenarios and yet those doing the laughing are usually those who are found to be hurt, killed, lost or unprepared in a survival situation.

So I say let them laugh, but when the time comes those still alive can thank themselves for being prepared. I think there is an old saying that goes something like, "Chance favors a prepared mind.", or something similar to that.

The ACEE system is very basic and simple. ACEE is what you should carry on your person (not in a bag that can be left behind somewhere) at all times when you are away from home or your vehicle. ACEE is also what you should carry in a vehicle, boat, or aircraft that stays in what ever mode of transportation you have.

ACEE is similar to EDC (Every Day Carry), but I thought the term too vague, because to me my wallet, cell phone, car keys, money are everyday carry items, but may not relate to survival equipment. In other words, ACEE should complement or extend your EDC.

Once you get used to carrying the items that I mention in the ACEE system, it will become second nature to the point you may feel naked without them. ACEE system items are small and the way they are carried do not take up much room on your person or vehicle.

If you noticed I have not mentioned the home as being part of the ACEE system. This is because home is your primary base. All your survival emergency equipment are normally stored at home and normally if you are at home, you already have access to your equipment. Your bug out bag becomes your survival means, along with your ACEE, when you have to move out for some unknown reasons, such as a tornado, hurricane, riots, etc.

The ACEE items I have chosen to be carried on your person are small, but yet very versatile in getting the job done. Kind of a micro system of survival gadgets so to speak. If you like to carry larger items and are comfortable with it, go for it. These items are what I deem the basics. You can add to it to your liking or substitute items.

The ACEE system can be adapted to what ever your daily wear may consist of. If you have a job that requires you to wear a three piece suit or a dress, this system will still work. Although, those wearing dresses will have to carry their ACEE in a purse.

The items in the ACEE system are designed to cover the needs for fire starting, signaling, navigation, cutting, light, cordage, first aid, and physical protection. Items can be carried on person that will cover each of these needs. I did not mention shelter, food or water because with the ACEE system and some basic knowledge, you can obtain or build these resources.

Common sense dictates that you always be dressed for the season you are in or the region you are traveling to and from. For example, don't leave home in the winter without a warm jacket and a small portable poncho that can fit in the jacket pocket. Or even better, a winter jacket that is water proof with a hood. Get the idea?

pocket knife (optional if you are happy with the blade on the multi-tool

bic lighter

ferral rod fire striker (small size)

credit card size fresnel lens

mini first aid kit (containing also your prescription medications)

small compass

small caliber pistol (optional- should be well trained to use)

small pepper spray (optional)

1 gallon clear Ziploc baggie

water purification tablets or purification straw

mini flashlight or similar

cell phone

(optional)

$50 cash (1 dollar in quarters for payphone)

back up/spare vehicle and house key

This list looks long, but when you actually have them stored on your person they do not take up a lot of space. The more survival techniques that you can learn and master, the less equipment you don't have to carry.

For instance, if you can start a fire by rubbing two sticks together, then you are better off in the event you forgot your fire starting aids. By knowing how to start a fire, you can make a torch in the event you don't have a flashlight. If you know how to knapp stone and make stone cutting tools, then you can get by without your knife. Are you seeing the overall picture here?

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

﻿Researchers report that mesquite is highly effective in balancing blood sugar. The natural sweetness in the pods comes from fructose.

Fructose does not require insulin to be metabolized making it safe for diabetics. The high rate of dietary fiber, pads are 25% fiber, causes the nutrients in mesquite to be absorbed slowly preventing the spikes and valleys in blood sugar.

With a glycemic index of 25, mesquite requires a longer time to digest then many grains. The digestive time for mesquite is to 4 to 6 hours unlike wheat that digests in 1 to 2 hours.

These factors result in a food that maintains a constant blood sugar for a sustained time and as a result prevents hunger. Here is a food that supports the diabetic’s diet and helps maintain a healthy insulin system in those not affected with blood sugar problem.

Mesquite flour not only stabilizes blood sugar but it tastes great with a sweet, slightly nutty with a hint of molasses flavor. Further this food delivers a big hit of nutritional value.

It is high in dietary fiber and protein including lysine. The ground pods are between 11% and 17% protein. Mesquite is a good source of calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, and zinc. Mesquite is low carbohydrate, low glycemic and low in fat.

The bean pods should be harvested early before they begin to dry and harden. They can be eaten raw or boiled like green beans. When eaten raw they have a bitter sweet green apple taste, which I enjoy.

Friday, April 29, 2011

Military poncho's come in very handy as an everyday item, especially in a survival situation. Military style poncho's can be purchased from military surplus stores, as well as, off the Internet.

The poncho is of a nylon type rip stop material with a hood and side snaps. The poncho also comes with a liner that is a quilted style nylon material and attaches to the poncho for warmth. When these two items are together, they make a good light weight sleeping bag.

The poncho can be used to make a hasty survival pup tent to quickly get you out of the weather and to make a place to sleep. All you need is two trees close together to tie a rope across to hang the poncho. The poncho is folded in half over the rope so that each half touches the ground at an angle. The sides are then staked down or tie to large rocks.

You can cover the sides with dirt so that when it rains it does not run into the inside. So when preparing the ground prior to erecting the tent you can build a small raised area to sleep on that will also help in keeping water from pooling up inside the shelter.

You can use pine and spruce limbs (called boughs) as bedding to provide insulation from the cold ground. If you have a poncho liner you can use it for a blanket if you are alone, or to make a larger pup tent or lean-to if you have to provide shelter for two or more people.

Poncho's do not take up a lot of small when rolled small. Poncho's have many uses and should be included in your automobile survival equipment, your bug out bag and your hiking gear.

When you roll up your poncho, use about 20 feet of cordage, like paracord to secure it. This can be used when you need to build a shelter.

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Should you ever find yourself stranded in the wilderness with no survival equipment and need shelter, a debris shelter can be built without the aid of equipment. A debris shelter is a basic shelter put together by logically piling together resources found in your surrounding environment.

If you find yourself in the mountains surrounded by trees and brush, you have all you need to build a shelter that could save your life. Locate a downed tree large enough to lay limbs across that will hold debris to make walls. Clear the ground where you will be laying so that it will provide a flat comfortable surface. Later you can make a bed by adding layers of spruce or pine boughs. If you have access to a camp fire you can heat up rocks to bury under your sleeping area. Make sure the rocks are deep enough to provide heat without burning the sleeper.

Pine tree limbs and other dense type limbs can be placed over the frame you made with limbs to help block out the wind. You may even get lucky and be in an area where the outer bark of dead trees are loose enough to peel off to make a good rain proof roof and walls.

When adding the branches and other materials, start at the bottom and work your way up. This forms an overlapping layer that allows rain to run down the outer side of the shelter instead of being forced inside.

The shelter should be just larger enough for the number of people that will be using it. The larger the shelter the harder it is to warm it up. The entrance to the shelter should have a door cover that can be closed after you have entered the shelter.

Make sure the location you pick for your shelter is not in a possible flood zone. Pick a location that is flat on a hill side away from the blowing winds. Also, check the trees around your chosen area to make sure none of them appear as if it could fall on your shelter. And never choose a site near a game trail or too close to a watering spot.

Different shelter configurations can be made using this technique. Use your imagination.

Saturday, April 23, 2011

Water is one of your most urgent needs in a survival situation. You can' t live long without it, especially in hot areas where you lose water rapidly through perspiration. Even in cold areas, you need a minimum of 2 liters of water each day to maintain efficiency.

More than three-fourths of your body is composed of fluids. Your body loses fluid as a result of heat, cold, stress, and exertion. To function effectively, you must replace the fluid your body loses. So, one of your first goals is to obtain an adequate supply of water.

Mountainous terrain provides a good possibilty for locating water. Try to locate streams or springs of water in the draws coming off hill tops. Large green vegetation in pastures that contain a large variety of trees, besides the evergreen trees, provide an indication that there may be surface water nearby or under ground water close to the surface.

Game trails may also lead to water. But they could go on for miles before leading up to the water source.

In the early morning hours when dew is on the grass you can tie a rag or t-shirt around the lower part of your legs and walk through the grass. The cloth will soak up the moisture and then can be wrung out into a container or directly into your mouth. The moisture may taste a little dirty, but its better than nothing.

Dew can also be collected off of non-poisonous leaves from trees. Rain water can be collected from rock crevices. If you are in a jungle type mountain terrain, water can be collected from the hanging vines. Do not drink water from vines that look milky. To get the water from the vine, cut the bottom of the vine completely off and then make a notch approximately 3 feet up the vine. This releases suction in the vine allowing water to flow out of the vine.

Green bamboo will contain drinkable water in each of its sections.

A clear plastic bag can be tied over tree leaves and secured. Water condensation will build up on this inside of the plastic and will drip to the lowest end of the bag. Make sure you use a tree that does not have poisonous leaves.

Old homesteads that are abandoned and miles from civilization may have under ground cisterns. These cisterns may have water, athough it will probably be stagnant and dirty. Use purification techniques to make the water safe to drink.

The following fluids should never be substituted for water: blood, urine, sea water.

Thursday, April 21, 2011

The M6 Scout features a folding stock which is easily detached via a quick-release pivot pin. An M6 breaks down in less than 5 seconds to a very compact overall length of 18", providing easy storage on a boat, small plane, tractor or recreational vehicle. A specially designed trigger guard allows conventional finger firing, or full hand firing while wearing mittens or heavy gloves.

What I did not like about the M6 was the small amount of .410 ammo that is carried in the ammo compartment. This led me to make my own modifications to correct this short coming. I used 1/2 copper tubing cut to the length of the barrel and then crimped the bottom ends of both tubes. I was opting to use PVC tubing to keep the overall weight to a minimum, but figured a stronger tube would come in handy somewhere down the road.

If you use 3" rounds, you can fit 4 rounds in each tube. If you use the 2 1/2 " rounds you can fit 5 rounds in each tube. I opted to use 4 rounds of the 3", #4 shot rounds for hunting turkey, grouse, pheasant, duck and other game of that size. The 3" shells provide a little more push and distance needed to get the pellets to the target.

My other choice of shot sizes were #6 for rabbit, squirrel and other game of that size and #7 1/2 for use on quail, dove, snakes and other game of that size. In the original ammo holder in the butt of the rifle I have 4 each of 3" rifled slugs. I would use these for small deer, pig, self defense and things of that nature.

I would opt to use the .22 LR rounds for farther distance prey like rabbit or pig when I can't get close enough to hit them with the .410 rounds.

I could also opt to use one tube to hold a small survival kit, which would include a fishing setup in the event I'm near a watering hole that has fish.

I wrapped electrical tape around both copper tubing's, which could provide me tape in a survival situation. Both tubes were then secured to the side of the barrels with a couple turns of electrical tape and then secured by the paracord windings. This provides me with about 25 feet of paracord I could use in an emergency.

By adding the tubing, not only did I gain more ammo, I also provided a more comfortable grip on the barrel. I really did not like the narrow fit of the barrels, but now I'm happy with the feel. The rifle is a few pounds or ounces heavier, but does not distract from its intended use.

This M6 is even designed to have a scope mounted on it. This is an option I may look into at a later date.

It's a shame they don't make this weapon any longer. Maybe someday they will make a similar or better version. In the mean time you may be able to find one for sale on the Internet or gun shows. Mine is NOT for sale.

This is an example of what you can do when you put your mind to it. In choosing your survival gear, you should pick items that have multiple uses. An example would be a Leatherman or Gerber multi-tool. These have many uses under one hood. In making the modifications to my M6, I now have many uses of this rifle as a result.

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Only young asparagus shoots are commonly eaten: once the buds start to open, the shoots quickly turn woody and become strongly flavoured.

Asparagus is low in calories and is very low in sodium. It is a good source of vitamin B6, calcium, magnesium and zinc, and a very good source of dietary fiber, protein, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, thiamin, riboflavin, rutin, niacin, folic acid, iron, phosphorus, potassium, copper, manganese and selenium, as well as chromium, a trace mineral that enhances the ability of insulin to transport glucose from the bloodstream into cells. The amino acid asparagine gets its name from asparagus, the asparagus plant being rich in this compound.

The shoots are prepared and served in a number of ways around the world, typically as an appetizer or vegetable side dish. In Asian-style cooking, asparagus is often stir-fried. Cantonese restaurants in the United States often serve asparagus stir-fried with chicken, shrimp, or beef, and also wrapped in bacon. Asparagus may also be quickly grilled over charcoal or hardwood embers. It is also used as an ingredient in some stews and soups.

Asparagus can also be pickled and stored for several years. Some brands may label shoots prepared this way as "marinated".

The bottom portion of asparagus often contains sand and dirt, so thorough cleaning is generally advised in cooking it.

Medicinal:

Nutrition studies have shown asparagus is a low-calorie source of folate and potassium. Its stalks are high in antioxidants. "Asparagus provides essential nutrients: six spears contain some 135 micrograms (µg) of folate, almost half the adult RDI (recommended daily intake), 20 milligrams of potassium," notes an article in Reader's Digest. Research suggests folate is key in taming homocysteine, a substance implicated in heart disease. Folate is also critical for pregnant women, since it protects against neural tube defects in babies. Several studies indicate getting plenty of potassium may reduce the loss of calcium from the body.

"Asparagus has long been recognized for its medicinal properties," wrote D. Onstad, author of Whole Foods Companion: A Guide for Adventurous Cooks, Curious Shoppers and Lovers of Natural Foods. "Asparagus contains substances that act as a diuretic, neutralize ammonia that makes us tired, and protect small blood vessels from rupturing. Its fiber content makes it a laxative, too."

(source:wikipedia.com)

Stay Prepared! Stay Alive!

Charlie-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Do you need marlin fishing or some type of other sport fishing in Oahu, Hawaii? If so www.reelintensesportfishing.com is the fishing charter of Oahu for you. Don't hesitate to call we have all the big game fishing in Hawaii!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Friday, January 28, 2011

A very good plant to use for bee stings and other bug bites when in a survival situation is the "Common Plantain" (Plantago major and Plantago lanceolata varieties).

This is a common plant found anywhere where soil has been disturbed.

You’ll recognize it growing in the cracks of your neighborhood sidewalks. It grows better than most other plants in compacted soils, and is abundant beside paths, roadsides, and other areas with frequent soil compaction. It is also common in grasslands and as a weed in crops.

Historical uses as a wound healer and snakebite remedy have been found to have scientific merit. Plantago major contains the cell proliferant allantoin, and is used as a replacement for hepatotoxic Comfrey in herbal preparations (commercial product Solaray Comfree). It also contains aucubin.

Traditionally used to prevent uterine bleeding after childbirth (made into a tea and inserted via a douche), it was also used to treat a variety of other ailments. There is a contraindication that seems to be missing from most of the current literature, however.

It is a potent coagulant. This can be tested easily by taking some water-based paint, making some plantain tea and mixing the two together. The paint particles will immediately permanently separate from the water.

Because of this unique quality, plantain was used as a wound dressing on the battlefield (it was also called "Soldier's Herb" which referred to this use). Due to these properties, people who take blood thinners or those prone to blood clots should never use plantain internally.

It is also reputed to have a calming effect on insect bites (flea, mosquito, horsefly, wasp).(source: Wikipedia)

People who are alergic to bee stings may require special injection pen containing epinephrine. It helps dilate their airways.

Treating Bee stings and the like:

1. Remove the stinger if it is still present.2. Clean the sting/bite area as best a possible.3. Make a poltice from the Plantain plant and cover the wound with it using duct tape, bandaids or bandages.

You can use this treatment on a cut that you are having a hard time getting the bleeding to stop.

Thursday, January 27, 2011

﻿ The Abert's squirrel (also known as the Tassle Earred Squirrel) is confined to the Colorado Plateau and the southern Rocky Mountains of Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico; its range extends south in the Sierra Madre Occidental to Chihuahua and Durango in Mexico

Albert's squirrels are 46–58 cm long with a tail of 19–25 cm. The most noticeable characteristic would be their hair ear tufts, which extend up from each ear 2–3 cm. They typically have a gray coat with a white underbelly and a very noticeable rusty/reddish colored strip down their back.

The Abert's squirrel typically builds its nest in the branches of the ponderosa pine in groups of twigs infected with dwarf mistletoe. The Abert's squirrel does not store its food like other North American squirrels.

American Red Squirrel

Red squirrels can be easily identified from other North American tree squirrels by their smaller size, territorial behavior and reddish fur with a white venter (under-belly). Red squirrels are also somewhat larger than chipmunks.

American Red Squirrels are widely distributed across North America. Their range includes most of Canada, and extends into the United States in the Rocky Mountains, the North Central and North East. There are 25 recognized sub-species of red squirrels.

Eastern Grey Squirrel

The eastern gray squirrel, or grey squirrel (depending on region), (Sciurus carolinensis), is a tree squirrel native to the eastern and midwestern United States, and to the southerly portions of the eastern provinces of Canada. The native range of the eastern gray squirrel overlaps with that of the fox squirrel with which it is sometimes confused, although the core of the fox squirrel's range is slightly more to the west.

As the name suggests, the eastern gray squirrel has predominantly gray fur but it can have a reddish color. It has a white underside and a large bushy tail.

Fox Squirrel

﻿﻿ ﻿﻿﻿﻿The fox squirrel (or eastern fox squirrel, Bryant's fox squirrel, Delmarva fox squirrel) (Sciurus niger) is the largest species of tree squirrel native to North America. They are also sometimes referred to as the stump-eared squirrel, raccoon squirrel, or monkey-faced squirrel. Despite the differences in size and coloration, they are sometimes mistaken for American Red Squirrels or Eastern Gray Squirrels in areas where both species co-exist.

While very versatile in their habitat choices, fox squirrels are most often found in forest patches of 40 hectares or less with an open understory, or in urban neighborhoods with trees. They thrive best among trees such as oak, hickory, walnut and pine that produce winter-storable foods like nuts.Catching SquirrelsShown above are just a few of the many types of squirrels that can be found in the Western portions of the United States.

A small calibre rifle, such a .22 cal, is the best way to harvest squirrels. But, when in a survival situation you may not have such luxuries.

A squirrel pole trap can be made to catch squirrels. Several of these pole traps can be placed in areas where there is active squirrel signs or sightings.

Refer to the diagrams below to see how a squirrel pole is made. The loops for the snare should be approximately three fingers in diameter. The wire length should be approximately 4 inches long after being tied off to the pole. This is to allow the squirrel to dangle far enough away from the pole when it falls so that it can not reach the pole with it's feet. If is able to reach the pole, the squirrel can actually chew through the wire and escape.

The loops should be placed at different intervals around the pole. One pole can actually catch more than one squirrel. The poles should be placed at a angle propped up against a tree that shows signs of squirrel usage. Squirrels are prone to take the easiest path up a tree, which would be the pole trap.

Traps should be checked at regular intervals so as not to leave a dead squirrel for to long of a period making it useless as food.

Squirrel Pole Trap

Cleaning And Cooking Squirrel

Cleaning a squirrel after you have trapped or shot it is a very simple process. Prior to cleaning any animal, ensure that you have any open cuts on your hands covered so that you don't get an infection of some type.

First thing to do is to cut the feet off at the first joint from the toes upward toward the body. Then remove the head.

Next, cut around the mid section of the hide around the diameter of the body as shown in the diagram. Place two fingers under each side of the cut and pull the hide outward toward both ends of the body. This should remove the outer hide like pull off a glove.

Next, cut down the center of the belly side from groin to neck. Remove the innards. You can eat the heart and liver. Ensure the liver has a smooth wet deep red appearance. Any other color may mean the animal is diseased and should be used as bait for larger prey or discarded.

Next, wash the carcass if water is available. When eating meat in a survival situation, it is important that you have water to help digest the meal.

You can then cut the meat into large chunks to make a soup or stew or you can cook it over an open fire like a shishkabob.

It takes about three squirrels to make a full meal with addition to whatever plant food you can find.

It's not squirrel season in my neck of the woods, but when it opens I will attempt to make a video on how to clean and cook a squirrel.

Sunday, January 9, 2011

All Oak acorns (Quercus species) are edible, though some are a good bit sweeter than others. However, if you simply shell one of the seeds and take a bite, it's likely that you'll immediately be turned off by the very astringent, burning quality typical of most oak nuts.

Eating too many acorns that have not been leeched of the tannic acid can cause damge to the kindneys.

Fortunately, you can leach out the tannic acid that makes them bitter, and the easiest way to do so is to shell the acorns, smash them into thirds, wrap the pieces in a cloth, and place them in a stream for a day. If the acorns still have a bitter flavor, you can leave it in the stream a little longer. Another method is to boil the nuts, changing the water frequently, until the bitternes is gone.

Once leached, the acorns can be eaten raw, toasted, added to soups or stews, or pounded fine and mixed with wild-grain flours to make bread. They are a valuable source of proteins and carbohydrates that's available from early fall until well into the next spring. And acorn sprouts can be prepared in the same ways as the nuts themselves, or in the case of most white oak species can be eaten right off the ground.

Nutritional facts:

Acorns have protein (8 percent) and fats (37 percent) and are high in calcium and other minerals. Acorns leave a sweetish aftertaste, making them very good in stews, as well as in breads of all types. They are rich in complex carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins while they are lower in fat than most other nuts. They are also a good source of fiber.

Friday, January 7, 2011

A tea made from the root is used internally to treat arthritis, gout, prostatitis, rheumatism and urethritis. The fresh, undried flowers have shown some anti-tumour activity. The has been used to treat Addison's Disease, osteoporosis and some kidney diseases.

Yucca is rich in Vitamin A, B-complex, and contains some Vitamin C. It is also high in calcium, potassium, phosphorus, iron, manganese and copper. Yucca root contains precursors to cortisone, and improves the body's ability to manufacture its own cortisone.

Usual Dosage: Pour 1 cup boiling water over 1-2 teaspoons dried leaves, steep for 10 minutes, strain. Take 1/4 cup up to 3 times per day. Or take 1470mg of standardised supplement up to 3 times per day.

Dosage For Arthritis:

Although the exact dosage of yucca for arthritis is unclear, some sources suggest up to 2 grams of yucca root in capsules per day. Alternatively, 1/4 ounce (7 grams) of the root can be boiled in a pint of water for 15 minutes. Three to five cups of this tea may be taken each day.

Yucca root can be used as a poultice for bone breakages and sprains, and for rheumatism.

The tea can be used to treat dandruff and hair loss when applied topically.

Other Uses: The root can be used for soap, suitable for bathing or laundry. An extract of the root is often included in commercial shampoos.